With many of the UK's favourite holiday destinations currently facing a higher threat from terrorism* and other risks such as the Zika virus, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is helping travellers ensure they choose safer holiday spots this winter with a guide comparing some not-so-obvious FCO-approved destinations. The research can be found in the Know Before You Go section of the APH website at www.aph.com/newdestinations.

The research compares 15 destinations including Armenia, Hungary and Moldova, outlining each country's capital city, local currency, FCO travel advice, visa requirements and tourist attractions, along with the current direct flight options from the UK.

The current FCO travel advice rates all of the 15 destinations researched as having a 'low' threat from terrorism including Latvia, Liechtenstein and Poland. However, the FCO does also highlight there may be additional risks in many of the destinations researched, including possible delays due to border enforcement security in Hungary and danger of volcanic activity in Iceland. Regardless of the city or country holiday-goers are set to visit, the FCO urges all travellers to keep in mind that there is an underlying threat of terrorism globally, with attacks possible at anytime, anywhere.

Of the 15 countries reviewed, 10 different currencies are used including the Armenian Dram and the Swiss Franc, with only six of the 15 destinations using the Euro. Similarly, 15 different languages are predominantly spoken in the places researched including Czech, German and Italian.

For travellers interested in sightseeing, there are a wide variety of tourist attractions to visit in the 15 countries researched, from the historic neighbourhood of Barrio Historico in Uruguay, to the subterranean Postojna Cave in Slovenia. Those looking for natural beauty should head to Estonia's Lahemaa National Park, which is located 70km from the capital city of Talinn, or alternatively visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Iceland, which is an ideal location to spot icebergs. 

Where entry requirements are concerned, none of the destinations researched require a visa prior to entry, however travellers are advised to fully research terms of passage prior to any journey abroad. All Foreign Nationals visiting Slovenia, for example, must register their arrival with the police within three days of entering the country.

To make the most of precious holiday time, 21 regional UK airports, including Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle, fly directly to 11 of the destinations researched, including to three airports in Lithuania and 12 airports in Poland. Four of the locations researched do not currently offer a direct flight route from the UK, including Armenia and Uruguay.

For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH),
Visit www.aph.com or call 01342 859515.

ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
*Research taken from The Telegraph in July 2016, available from: www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/maps-and-graphics/Mapped-Terror-threat-around-the-world/  

About Airport Parking and Hotels (APH)
Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is an award winning airport parking operator and retailer, after winning the Best Airport Parking Company for a sixth year running at British Travel Awards 2015. This year APH also celebrated its 36th year as a retailer and operator of pre-booked airport parking and travel extras. APH offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels and airport lounges. As well as supporting the World Land Trust through the purchase of more than 1,000 acres of endangered rainforest, APH is also a proud corporate sponsor of the University of Southampton Centre for Cancer Immunology, where the world's most eminent experts come together in the quest to find new and innovative treatments.

Media Enquiries
Sarah Salord / Libby Hughes / McCluskey International / 020 8747 2170 / aph@mccluskey.co.uk